LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Parisian Odyssey
with Professor Eilene Hoft-March and LU alumna Charlotte King, class of 2009
September 16-27th, 2024
Now SOLD OUT – Please join the Waitlist below:
LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Parisian Odyssey
with Professor Eilene Hoft-March and LU alumna Charlotte King, class of 2009
September 16-27th, 2024
Experience the magic of Paris like a local – Art, history and gastronomy blend seamlessly to create a truly unforgettable experience.
During twelve evocative days in the City of Lights, you will explore the Paris of Parisians, accompanied by Lawrence University Professor, Eilene Hoft-March, and 2009 LU graduate, Charlotte King, who has lived and worked in Paris for over a decade.
Discover the hidden gems of the Louvre and Orsay Museums, along with Opera Garnier and the whimsical world of the Musée des Arts Forains.
You’ll step back in time to learn more about the origins of the French Revolution, and explore the city’s intriguing subterranean sewers and iconic neighborhoods – like St Germain, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, and the Marais.
Of course, part of the pleasure of Paris is the decadent dining and this trip will satisfy your every craving! Dine in classic bistros, enjoy the best food and wine France has to offer and take a piece home with you with a culinary demo and hands-on cooking class at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Institute.
And once you’re ready to explore further afield, head to chateaux and gardens in and around Paris and the vineyards of Champagne.
As the echoes of our adventure in Paris slowly fade, it’s not just about the delicious bites and breathtaking sights. We’ve really soaked in the vibe of this amazing city, uncovering its unique history, culture, and hidden gems along the way. It’s more than a trip; it’s a genuine connection to the heart and soul of this extraordinary place.
Your Hosts
Eilene Hoft-March
Hoft-March is a scholar of 20th- and 21st- century French literature and autobiographies. Her scholarship also includes literature about children and the Holocaust. In addition to French language and literature, she teaches courses in gender studies.
She has directed Lawrence’s Francophone Seminar in Dakar, Senegal and served as a faculty advisor to students in the Posse Program, an initiative that brings high-achieving high school students with exceptional leadership skills from New York City public high schools to Lawrence.
A member of the faculty from 1988 to 2022, Hoft-March was recognized with the college’s Young Teacher Award in 1991, the Freshman Studies Teaching Award in 1997, and the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011. She is one of only three faculty members to earn those three teaching awards.
Hoft-March earned a bachelor of arts degree in French and English at Carroll University and her master’s and doctoral degrees in French at the University of California-Berkeley.
Charlotte King
Charlotte grew up in Wisconsin but moved to Burgundy, France, aged 17. She studied theatre and French at Lawrence University and pursued her love of the French language to obtain a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin.
Charlotte then began teaching at several universities in Paris, including the Sorbonne Nouvelle and Marne la Vallée.
She also secured a French National Guide card, allowing her to lead guided tours in French national museums and heritage sites. In 2016, Charlotte joined the wine team at Le Cordon Bleu as a translator and embarked on qualifications with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
She has founded two Paris-based companies with French sommelier, Franck Ramage. KIRA Wine Consultants is dedicated to wine related events and continuing education for wine professionals. Bacchus and Clio is a tour company dedicated to creating elevated cultural experiences for guests with a passion for French history and hospitality.
Support Hosts
Franck Ramage
Born and raised in France, Franck is a sommelier and fine wine insider who has worked at Michelin starred restaurants and throughout Paris for more than 30 years.
In 1999, Franck became a sommelier professor, specializing in service techniques, enology, wine pairings and tastings. He joined Le Cordon Bleu as head of the wine department in 2011 to create a program of intensive wine training for international students and was awarded the title of Master Sommelier by l’Union de la Sommellerie Française just one year later.
Franck’s unrivalled knowledge, as well as his extensive network of chefs, wine professionals and winemakers gives Bacchus & Clio enviable access to the inner workings of Paris and France’s vineyards.
Matt Baumler
Matt has been at Lawrence since 2009. Serving as the Associate Vice President of Alumni and Community Engagement, he is the chief staff liaison to the Alumni Association Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership to a team of alumni engagement professionals committed to creating and celebrating community.
Matt studied architecture at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He also studied French and combined his two passions with a semester abroad in Paris. Learning about the country’s rich history and culture while being embraced by the flying buttresses of Notre Dame and the Lourvre Colonnade remains one his most treasured memories.
He now explores his sense of wanderlust along with his family – his beautiful wife, Ashley and two children, Ethan and Halle.
Itinerary
September 16 – 27, 2024 – 11 nights and 12 days in a centrally located hotel – 21 meals included
Day 1 - Arrival
September 16th
A new adventure beckons as you touch down in the city of romance. A seamless transfer whisks you away from the airport, ensuring a smooth start to your Parisian escapade. Discover the neighborhood you will stay in for the duration of your stay and wander the streets of central Paris.
As the sun sets, the enchantment continues with a welcome drink and cocktail reception, also known as a “cocktail dinatoire.” Amidst the elegant ambiance of your 4-star hotel, where you will be staying for the entirety of your trip, you mingle and savor delectable bites, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Includes:
- Hotel transfers in from Paris area airports may be available to you depending on flight times. You may be regrouped with other LU guests as they come in.
- Cocktail dinatoire with hand-selected French wines.
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 2 - Parisian Discovery Begins
September 17th
In the morning, the city unveils its secrets through an introductory walking tour. You will traverse charming streets, embracing the city’s history and charm in the neighborhoods of Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Professor Hoft-March and Charlotte King will delight you with stories of the great French capital. We will stop for a quick lunch in the neighborhood.
Late afternoon, you will come back together for a private boat trip on the Seine with Champagne and snacks.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Headsets
- Lunch
- Private boat tour with champagne and snacks (from the Jardin des Plantes to Paris’s Statue of Liberty and back)
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 3 - Artistry and Connection
September 18th
Small group guided tours at the Musée d’Orsay, guided by four experts, bring the world of 19th-century art to life. You will have the afternoon free to discover new neighborhoods of Paris. In the evening, you reconnect with local Lawrentians accompanied by a catered dinner and beverages, creating moments of camaraderie.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Guides for the museum
- Dinner
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 4 - Chantilly
September 19th
Embrace the elegance of Chantilly, with its large collection of paintings, decorative arts, manuscripts, and archives. Boasting the largest collection of paintings in France after the Louvre, the Château de Chantilly is sure to be a highlight of the trip. A day of delight includes a visit to the Château de Chantilly, a leisurely lunch, and a train ride through the stunning gardens designed by 17th century landscape architect, André Le Nôtre.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Certified guide
- Lunch
- A train ride through the gardens OR equestrian show
- Private Transportation to and from Paris
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 5 - Art and Gastronomy
September 20th
The Louvre Museum awaits your exploration in the morning. Small group guided tours, with only six guests per group ensure an intimate and informative experience. See highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, or the Coronation of Napoleon along with some other hidden gems of the largest museum in the world. You may choose to explore further after the end of the tour, or have the afternoon free.
For dinner, your culinary journey continues with a Cooking Class at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts (LCB), offering a taste of Parisian gastronomic expertise excellence.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Guides for the Louvre museum
- Dinner – a cooking demonstration at Le Cordon Bleu Institute
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 6 - Unveiling Revolutionary History and Intrigue
September 21st
Step into a tumultuous moment in history with a fun, yet insightful French Revolution Murder Mystery tour. Enjoy a lunch of classic French cuisine. The adventure continues with a unique exploration of the Paris Sewers in the afternoon.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Murder Mystery Game
- Lunch
- Sewer Museum tour
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 7 - The Islands, the Heart of the Capital
September 22nd
Discover the heart of Paris with medieval masterpieces: Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of your day on your own.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Entrance into the heritage sites
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 8 - Marais and Whimsy
September 23rd
The Marais and Bastille beckon you in the morning. Discover the private mansions and winding streets of these neighborhoods. We will get a falafel to-go and dine on park benches in the Place des Vosges like real Parisians.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to continue wandering the Marais neighborhood, or pop into the Musée Carnavalet home to the Paris History Museum.
In the afternoon, the Musée des Arts Forains offers a whimsical journey into the world of entertainment and art.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Falafel Lunch
- Private Tour of the Musée des Arts Forains
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 9 - Bubbly Champagne Adventure
September 24th
Begin the day bright and early with a trip to Champagne from Paris to explore picturesque vineyards and one of the world’s most unique wines. Learn about champagne making with a professional sommelier, visit Reims Cathedral, and enjoy champagne tastings.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Professional guide and sommelier
- Morning Champagne tasting
- Lunch
- Cathedral tour
- Afternoon Champagne tasting
- Private transportation
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 10 - Montmartre's Bohemian Flair
September 25th
Immerse yourself in the artistic allure of Montmartre. Learn the classic French game of Petanque, savor a picnic lunch, and culminate the day with a visit to the iconic Opera Garnier, followed by the featured show of the moment.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lessons in Pétanque with the Private Petanque club of Montmartre
- Picnic with wines at the club
- Visit Opera Garnier
- Show at Opera Garnier
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 11 - Chic Museums and Gourmet Bliss
September 26th
Your morning adventure begins with a visit to the Nissim de Camondo Museum, where the opulence of decorative arts and the tragic history of the Holocaust converge. Continue your exploration at the enchanting Parc Monceau, a serene oasis with charming bridges and statues.
Treat yourself to a gastronomic delight for lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring exquisite wine pairings. The rest of the afternoon is yours.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Michelin starred lunch
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Day 12 - Au revoir
September 27th
With cherished memories, it’s time to bid farewell. You will leave with the memorable magic of Paris in your heart.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Transport to airport may be available depending on flight times of all of the guests.
Not included:
- Other meals
- Personal expenditures and gratuities
Pricing
Double Occupancy:€6,100 EUR per person (approximately 6616 USD as of January 2024)
Single Occupancy:€7,250 EUR per person (approximately 7865 USD as of January 2024)
* Included in Price:
– 11 nights’ accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Paris, including breakfast – 11 days of activities – Group dining experiences included in the itinerary – Guided tours and visits, as well as entrance fees -Transportation between hotel and activities (including weekly bus/metro pass) – Tips, taxes, & service charges for all group activities
* Not Included in Price:
-Airfare to and from Paris -Transportation between airport and hotel – Individual dining and purchases – Beverages beyond what is included in group meals – Accident/ luggage /trip cancellation insurance – Activities not scheduled for the group, optional activities – Laundry, dry cleaning, or other personal services – International phone plans – Additional Tips – Other transportation around Paris not included in the itinerary (taxi, Uber, etc.)
Airline travel is not included in the cost of this trip. Travelers are encouraged to contact Aimee Johnson at Travel Leaders to book their international travel.
Travel Leaders also provides independent travel insurance through Travel Guard.
Aimee Johnson | Travel Specialist | Travel Leaders
3000 S. Appleton Rd. | Menasha, WI 54952 |(920) 694-4650 | ajohnson@tltrips.com
Aimee will be out of the office December 12-17. During this time, email will be the best way to communicate but an immediate response should not be expected.
If you have any other questions, please drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help: contact@bacchusandclio.com. You may also contact Matt Baumler at +1 920-832-6556 or matthew.k.baumler@lawrence.edu.
Ready to Book?
You can book this trip in four quick steps :
1. Read the terms and conditions below
2. Fill in your booking form
3. Scroll past the form to pay the deposit and other instalments for all of the members of your group
4. We’ll connect with you!
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Read through the Terms & Conditions before you begin:
terms and conditions of booking
The present General Terms and Conditions (hereafter the “GTC“) governs according to which KIRA (Bacchus and Clio), a French joint stock Company with a capital of 8,000.00 euros, registered at the PARIS company register under the number 878 994 300, whose registered office is 26 Boulevard Saint-Marcel 75005 PARIS, France (hereafter “KIRA” or “B&C“) offers Services to Client, which include Tourist Packages.
KIRA is also registered at the Travel Agents Registry under number IM075220023 and has taken out a financial guarantee with the APST.
It also has a professional insurance policy n°AR772877, with the GENERALI insurer, applicable worldwide and covering risks in compliance with the French Tourism Code, covering its professional civil liability up to 10,000,000.00 euros.
Tour Cancellation and Alterations
The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company and Lawrence University reserve the right to cancel this trip if a minimum number of participants is not reached. In that eventuality, any payments made to the Bacchus and Clio Travel Company for this tour before the cancellation penalties dates begin, will be refunded without penalty and further obligation on the part of the Bacchus and Clio Travel Company or Lawrence University.
The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company and Lawrence University reserve the right to cancel the program if the tour cannot be conducted as outlined. The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company reserves the right to make minor alterations that do not significantly affect the tour’s content.
Cancellation Fees
Cancellation fees are imposed on most trips by the service provider or vendor involved (hotel, ground transfer company, sightseeing operator, events, etc.). In some cases, there is no refund once a booking is made.
Cancellation fees are per person and based on the cancellation dates, as follows:
Cancellation charges also apply to additional charges for upgrades, transfers, and other pre-purchased services. After travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of the tour.
Our Responsibility
The Bacchus and Clio travel company is your representative in securing the requested arrangements during your tour in France. The Bacchus and Clio travel company, its agents, and its employees act only as agents for the passenger regarding travel by road, or by mode of transportation or local conveyance within France and assume no liability for personal injury, property damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity incurred by any person arising out of the negligence of an air carrier, hotel or person engaged in conveying the passenger, providing rental cars, or rendering any of the services or accommodation being offered during these tours; nor shall the Bacchus and Clio travel company be responsible for any injuries, death, damages, loss or delay in any means of transportation or because of any event beyond The Bacchus and Clio travel company’s actual control. The passenger must bear any such losses or expenses. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category or change schedules without prior notice should circumstances require. In the event of a change of itinerary necessitated by factors or conditions beyond the actual control of the Bacchus and Clio travel company, such as strikes, political and social unrest, labor problems, climatic aberrations, or any act of God, no refund can be made, nor will credit be given, provided that in the event of such change, the Bacchus and Clio travel company shall offer accommodations and services of comparable quality and standards as outlined in the itinerary.
Changes and Modifications
A service charge per booking may apply for each change made after the initial booking request has been approved by you and the service confirmed by the Bacchus and Clio travel company with the supplier. Airlines and other vendors may assess cancellation fees for cancellations, which will be passed on to you. In some cases, suppliers of services may provide no refund, such as for accommodation. Once travel has commenced, any changes or cancellation is at your expense. Information will be given on request at the time of booking.
2
This trip is currently Sold Out.
However, you can complete the Waitlist Form for yourself and any other members of your travel party and we’ll contact you if any places on the trip become available:
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NOTE: This trip is currently SOLD OUT – please register your interest by joining the Waitlist below:
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You’ll receive receipts via email and the tour management team will contact you in due course with further travel information and payment reminders.
Additional Information
Fees or activities are subject to change and are payable at time of final payment.